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Image: Straw-necked ibis (credit: David Preston)
Funding available to support Gwydir Wetland bird breeding
Recent wet times have provided an opportunity for breeding of colonial nesting waterbirds in the Gwydir wetlands for the first time since 2012.
The waterbird species include thousands of straw-neck and glossy ibis, intermediate and eastern great egrets, nankeen night herons, little pied and little black cormorants; and hundreds of royal and yellow billed spoon bills, and Australasian darters.
As part of an effort to protect the habitat for these waterbirds, North West Local Land Services has funding available for landholders to improve areas around and upstream of the Gwydir wetlands, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
If you have a potential project you would like to discuss, please contact Leonie Coleman 0447 475 838 or leonie.coleman@lls.nsw.gov.au
This project is supported by North West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
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Expressions of interest for upcoming PROGRAZE course
We're calling for expressions of interest for sheep and cattle producers on the Liverpool Plains to participate in an upcoming PROGRAZE® course.
When: The course will run for 6-8 months, commencing May 2022.
Location: Liverpool Plains area
Cost: $200 per business. The course is valued at $1500 per business, but will be subsidised through North West Local Land Services and the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
If you are a grazier residing or operating in the wider Liverpool Plains region and are interested in upskilling your grazing management, please contact us today to express interest.
Contact Sally Balmain from the North West ag team via sally.balmain@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0428 280 809.
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Detections of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in domestic pig herds in NSW
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was identified in samples from multiple commercial piggeries in NSW in areas with reported high numbers of mosquitos in February 2022.
If you suspect Japanese encephalitis in pigs within New South Wales, report it immediately on the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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Have you heard of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle?
Lumpy skin disease is an exotic cattle disease to Australia and is a viral disease of cattle which is spread by biting flies and mosquitos. Currently the disease has been detected in the Asia and Pacific region.
Cattle affected with LSD develop skin lumps over the body. These may be just lumps under the skin or sometimes the lumps maybe ulcerated with scabs. The cattle usually have a fever, become lethargic and go off their feed. Some will die.
There are a number of endemic diseases that will cause lumps on cattle including warts, mange, rain scald, photosensitisation, allergic reactions, Onchocerca and Bovine Herpes virus.
If you have any cases of cattle with unusual skin lumps, it is advisable to have them checked out by your local veterinarian or report any unusual disease to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
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Prohibited matter incursions - Parthenium weed
Local control authorities are continuing to undertake high level surveillance for Parthenium weed in areas surrounding known incursions including high-risk sites and pathways, particularly along roadways, stock feed out areas and riparian zones.
Infestations range from single isolated plants on roadsides, medium infestations around feed out areas to heavy infestations covering a couple of hectares.
Fresh germinations are already occurring and being treated and are expected to increase over the coming months.
If you think you have seen this dangerous plant do not attempt to remove or treat it yourself. Contact your local Council Weed Biosecurity Officer or call 1800 680 244 for free assistance.
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Animal health update
Lame sheep - footrot
Wet conditions can lead to a few health concerns in livestock, including a high risk of footrot and foot abcess. It is essential to distinguish between the two as footrot is a notifiable disease. Footrot is a highly contagious disease affecting all classes of sheep, causing a significant impact on production.
Property to property movements (NLIS)
When livestock are moved between properties, that movement needs to be recorded with the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). The responsibility to record this movement lies with certain parties depending on the type of movement, so knowing who is responsible for what is crucial.
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Walgett Autumn wild dog baiting progam
The Walgett Autumn wild dog baiting program is commencing in April and is a great opportunity to participate in a group control initiative.
The dates for the program include 12th, 13th, 14th and 21st of April.
As the recent seasonal conditions favour feral animal populations, there is an increased requirement for coordinated control. We strongly encourage all landholders to participate to reduce wild dog burdens in the region.
If you have any questions or want to become involved contact Maddie Atkin, Biosecurity Officer based in Walgett from North West Local Land Services on 0418 602 393.
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North West Local Land Services staff celebrated Reconciliation Week 2021 by hosting two workshops with local Aboriginal people and organisations.
The Tamworth workshop was conducted by Mark Atkins, Mark shared his history and knowledge about the art of making and playing the didgeridoo.
A bush tucker and weaving workshop was conducted by Kerri Saunders and Mona Fernando-Munro at PIUS X Aboriginal Corporation.
Both workshops created the opportunity for non indigenous and indigenous people to come together to learn and share each other's journey/stories.
North West Local Land Services would like to thank Gomeroi Dance Academy, Lenny Waters, Mark Atkins, Kerri Saunders, Mona Fernando-Munro, PIUS X Aboriginal Corporation and Soil Conservation (HART team) for their contribution and knowledge sharing.
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The birds and the bees: seeking information and observations on some of our most endangered bird species
BirdLife Australia is working with North West Local Land Services to monitor and support Australia’s most threatened bird species. These birds often share important nectar resources with honeybees, which presents a unique opportunity for monitoring and conservation.
North West Local Land Services Senior Land Services Officer – Natural Resource Management, Leonie Coleman said beekeepers share our values in standing for the preservation of native flora.
“They have an extensive understanding of the relationship between our flowering eucalypts and the animals that depend on these flowering resources,” Leonie said.
“In fact, beekeeper knowledge has been essential is helping us decide where and when to do releases of zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters; our most endangered woodland bird, which happens to rely heavily on eucalypt blossom to survive.”
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Upcoming Events & Training
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Vertebrate Pesticide Training | Narrabri
When: 10am - 4pm, 6 April, 2022
Where: Local Land Services, 101 Barwan Street, Narrabri
We are offering FREE Vertebrate Pesticide Training for landholders. Completion of this course will give participants a five year accreditation to use vertebrate pesticides (1080, Pindone, RHDV & PAPP) on their property.
The course covers a range of topics from the legislative requirements of using vertebrate pesticides through to modes of action and practical usage.
Participants may elect to also complete the Canid Pest Ejector (CPE) course, which will follow the VPT course.
Please RSVP to book your spot, by calling 1300 795 299.
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